Last week's article was how I organized my research binder. This week, I'm ready to go online to find out where I can send for missing records.
Here are the best starting points, that I've found:
USGenWeb's Table of States - click on the state you need to go to, and from there you can go to the county, and often the city
The WorldGenWeb Country Index - links to other countries for my readers who are not searching in the US
While you are at your target destination, explore what is offered. There may be volunteers who do look-ups or more than one way to get a copy of a record.
Remember, I am concentrating right now on those ancestors who I have dates and locations for events. Once I get these records, I may find clues to help my search for the more difficult ones.
I started with the closest ancestors, my parents. Years ago, their marriage certificate burned in a house fire. I will not get any new information from this record, but I'm looking at my research from the viewpoint of a descendent 100 years from now. I want to leave behind complete records.
Looking over my research file, I found that many of the events (birth, marriage, and death) took place in the same city- Cleveland, Ohio. So, I made one more list that includes the names, dates, and documents I need just from this area. One letter to an archive can include multiple requests, save me time and money.
Once, I get my requests sent out, I'm ready to organize my search for census records. First, I made copies of the census record sheets I needed. Then, began my search for the AIS Indexes and/or Microfilm Catalogues so I would save time when I go to the LDS Center or the NARA (National Archives and Records Administration.
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